Starting a Capsule Wardrobe

International Labour Organization

As I’ve become more involved in the anti-human trafficking sphere of Houston, I’ve grown increasingly guilty about the fast-fashion pieces in my wardrobe. I don’t consider myself much of a fashionista, but I do like to, as they say, ball on a budget. Meaning I basically look for the clothes I like at the lowest price and “forget” to check where/how it’s made.

As I began to browse ethical clothing brands, I noticed a lot of simple, pricey pieces. I remembered reading about the capsule wardrobe concept and decided to look into it. My first stop: minimalist.co. Courtney gives super great, honest advice for starting a capsule wardobe and a great starting list for ethical shopping!

Armed with this new knowledge, I began planning my capsule. As an undergrad, I’m already working with only a part of my wardrobe. I figured this could be a good way to ease into minimalist fashion. I went through my clothes and pulled out the things I didn’t absolutely love (excluding loungewear, athletic wear, and some t-shirts). Unfortunately, the undergrad lifestyle demands some non-capsule pieces for themed parties and “wear something you don’t mind getting dirty” events.

My strategy is basically to donate the things I know I don’t wear/like, and keep the things I already have that weren’t ethically made but that I love and just not replace them when I get rid of them.

Or course, in less than 12 hours, I have hit an obstacle: Houston heat (this is a recurring obstacle). I am struggling to find a capsule plan that accommodates the Houston heat. Most of the example capsules include cute cardigans and sweatshirts that layer to create new outfits, which is sadly not an option for my 95+ degree lifestyle.

The end result of my Capsule Day 1 is:

All of my Capsule approved clothes (27 items) going in my dresser from which I will (hopefully) continue to cut down.

I also placed my first order from Everlane to get some basics that I’m (somehow) lacking (i.e. plain white and gray shirts, long sleeve tee).

A big reason I’m starting this blog is to keep myself accountable to the capsule wardrobe and shopping ethically. I’ve also started a Pinterest board to collect tips for capsule wardrobe-ing if anyone else is interested!

Please hit me up with any tips you have for capsule wardrobing or questions you have that I can try and answer as I go!